By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

Stronger-than-expected demand from potential operators of tour boats along the Canadian shore of the Niagara River prompted the Niagara Parks Commission to extend the RFP deadline.

It decided to extend the original Nov. 24 deadline to Dec. 30. Some 23 firms have registered as potential bidders, but it remains unknown how many will reply to the parks commission proposal. The commission has said any potential bidder must also sign a confidentiality agreement that precludes them from talking publicly about their response to the RFP.

The Maid of the Mist Steamboat Co. has been running tour boats from both the U.S. and Canadian shores of the lower Niagara River for generations. Andd while its U.S. pact runs for more than three decades, the Canadian lease has been under fire for the past year.

In 2009, a 25-year extension between Maid of the Mist Steamboat Co. and the Niagara Parks Commission became a political hot button in Southern Ontario as potential competitors cried foul. That resulted in several commission members resigning and a new regime installed to oversee operations.

The Maid of the Mist pact was voided, with a promise by the commission to begin a new proposal process. The Maid of the Mist boats have been operating this season under a temporary deal with the commission.

That took place Aug. 20 with the formal issuing of the new RFP.

"The process has been and will continue to be open, transparent and fair," commission Chairperson Fay Booker said at the time.

The boats leave from leased space, owned by the parks commission, in the lower Niagara Gorge.

"Potential proponents will also be assessed on their ability to meet all mandatory requirements and uphold marine safety standards at all times," she said.

The Ontario RFP process does not affect its U.S. operation from the Niagara State Park Reservation. Maid of the Mist Steamboat has a deal in place with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation that runs through 2042.

The issue of that company's contract has been lingering in Ontario since early 2008.

One competitor, Ripley Entertainment, expressed interest in taking over the operation. It has a strong presence in Niagara Falls, Ont., including running several museums along Clifton Hill and the Great Wolf Lodge.

The boats are among the most popular attractions in Niagara Falls. Maid of the Mist boats typically run from April through October. In 2009, they attracted 2.2 million riders.

The Canadian operation traditionally accounts for 75 percent of Maid of the Mist riders, although this year the split was closer to 65 percent to 35 percent, in favor of Canada.